Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Charlie Hunter, Guitarist
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 18, 2009
Modified Feb 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 18, 2009
Modified Feb 18, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Charlie Hunter may be best known in the jazz world, but playing 7 and 8-string guitars better than most play the standard 6—any audience will be mesmerized by his skills alone. Taught by Joe Satriani, in his earlier days he was part of Michael Franti's political rap group (The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) and since has branched out on his own, while continuing to collaborate along the way. Tomorrow night he celebrates his latest recording, Baboon Strength, at Sullivan Hall, along with his new trio and a special guest horn section. We recently checked in with him as he embarked upon the tour.
When did you first start getting involved with music? I started out playing drums when I was a kid. By the time I was 16 I knew that I wanted to be a musician.
Why you first started playing an 8-string guitar? I played the bass and I played the guitar. I wanted to push myself to go beyond the confinements of either of those instruments.
And why did you recently go down to 7? In 2006 I removed the top guitar string. I have to move out of position to use the 8th string and so I just wasn’t using it very much.
How do you usually come up with the composition titles? I don’t have a set method. Usually I’ll be playing a riff and it will remind me of a person, event etc. For example my song “Difford-Tilbrook” has sort of Squeeze sound to it so I named it after their main songwriters, Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook.
The album was recorded at Trout Studios in Brooklyn, was that your first time recording there? How was the experience? It was my first time recording an album at Trout. They have an old school set-up where everything happens in the same room, instruments, mixing desk, tape machine, everything. We recorded to 16 track two-inch tape before putting it in the digital realm (for those of you who are interested).
What/who are you inspired by? Musically, I’m inspired by people who continue to develop their talent and hone their craft.
Are there any current bands you are enjoying? Radiohead is great and I’m a lifelong ACDC fan.
If you could form an all-star supergroup with anyone, dead or alive, who would be in it? That’s a tough one. Some other guitarists that I really admire are: Tuck Andress, Robert Johnson, David Starobin, Ted Greene, Joe Pass and Joseph Spence.
You wrote a happy MySpace post when Obama was elected, how did you spend Inauguration Day? I was playing a gig in St. Louis actually. Watched it on TV though, great day.
Have you written any songs inspired by the historic event? No, not yet.
Please share your strangest "only in New York" story. I once saw a guy in the subway wearing a trench coat with a catfish stuffed in each pocket.
Which New Yorker do you most admire? Walt Whitman.
Best venue to play/hear music in New York? Carnegie Hall.
Tagged
Charlie Hunter
composer
guitarist
interview
musician
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .